Case: Cannot Cooperate
Aisha is known as a responsible and smart student. I have known her for the last two years, but this year is the first time she is taking one of my classes. She is in my 10th grade US History class. Recently, I started using small group projects in my class. I simply want my students to learn to cooperate, exchange ideas, and produce the project together. Although Aisha is willing to take part in these small group projects, she does not want to be in groups with male students because of her religious beliefs. When she told me about this, I told her that she was in the United States and that she had to work with whoever she is in a group with. In the first group project, Aisha was in a group with three males and one female students. She simply did not participate in any of the group activities. I wonder if should reconsider my original position on this issue and accommodate Aisha by having her work only with girls. Would I be doing her a disservice? What should I do?Solution:(Rates are posted for this solution!)
I believe that you should reconsider your original position and let Aisha work in a group with only females. If it is for religious reasons, then I believe that it is in the law that you must accommodate her. I do not think that you would be doing her a disservice because this way she will be working and participating at her fullest extent. This way she will be learning the material and not worrying about working with males.

Rating

The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student)

Yes

The suggested solution is relevant to the case

Yes

The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement

Yes

The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue

Yes

The suggested solution is original

Yes

Comments: Allowing Aisha to work in a group of girls only will serve to increase her productivity and allow her to express herself without fear of violating her religious beliefs. It is important that she feel accepted within the school environment, which also means accepting her religious beliefs.

The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement

Yes

The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue

Yes

The suggested solution is original

Yes

Comments: Although finding a way to incorporate mixed gender groups would benefit Aisha's social skills, it is important to respect her religious beliefs and allow her the same courtesy that one would expect from their teachers.